“I can't think of another car that would give me the level of comfort, style, safety and power that my Lexus 350 does: fabulous ride!”
Lexus ES: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Lexus ES is a midsize luxury sedan known for a quiet ride, a spacious cabin, and comfort-first road manners. It favors relaxed everyday driving over sports-sedan sharpness.
The ES has long been Lexus’s calm, easygoing luxury sedan. Across generations, its through-line is a smooth ride, low cabin noise, and generous passenger room rather than aggressive handling. Hybrid power joined the family in 2013, and the 2026 redesign added the first fully electric ES models without changing that comfort-focused character.
Strengths
- The smooth ride and low-noise cabin make the ES well suited to commuting and long trips.
- The cabin gives adults genuine space, with 40.7 inches of rear legroom in the redesigned 2026 model.
- The ES has offered a fuel-saving hybrid alternative since 2013.
- Safety technology has been a consistent priority, with a Lexus safety suite standard across the lineup since 2017.
- Recent models use touchscreens rather than relying only on older console-based controls.
- The 2026 lineup broadens the ES formula with hybrid, front-wheel-drive electric, and all-wheel-drive electric versions.
Who it's for
The ES suits commuters, frequent highway travelers, and buyers who regularly carry adult passengers. It is especially appealing to someone who wants a refined sedan that feels calm and straightforward, not stiff or overtly sporty.
Lexus ES lineup
Across much of the used market, pick the ES 350 for its smooth V6 or the ES 300h when fuel efficiency matters more. The ES 250 AWD, sold from 2021 through 2025, is the fit for buyers who want all-wheel drive, while the F SPORT versions add a sportier look; from 2023, F SPORT Handling goes further with handling-focused changes. For 2026, the ES 350h is the hybrid, while the ES 350e and ES 500e are fully electric. Premium, Premium+, and Luxury identify the 2026 equipment tiers, so the main decision is powertrain first and trim level second.
Lexus ES generations
From 2009 to 2026, the ES spans four generations. The current 8th Generation arrived for 2026, following the 7th Generation (2019–2025).
8th Generation (2026–Present)
The ES moves to a larger platform shared by hybrid and electric models. This generation brings the first battery-electric ES, a stronger hybrid system, a fully redesigned cabin, and larger screens.
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2026New generation
Complete redesign introduced the ES 350h hybrid and the first electric ES models, the ES 350e and ES 500e. The hybrid also gained its first AWD version.
7th Generation (2019–2025)
This generation moved to a lower, wider platform with revised suspension, a stronger V6, a new hybrid system, and the first F SPORT version. AWD joined later, followed by a 2022 refresh and a newer touchscreen system for 2023.
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2025
The regular lineup carried over. The Black Line special package returned on the ES 350 F SPORT Handling.
2024
The engines, safety suite, cabin layout, and trim structure largely carried over from 2023.
2023Trim changes
F SPORT Design and the new F SPORT Handling reshaped the sporty lineup. A newer touchscreen system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard.
2022Mid-cycle update
Refreshed styling, touch-enabled displays, and an updated safety suite arrived across the lineup. The first ES 300h F SPORT also joined.
2021Trim changes
The ES 250 AWD joined as the first all-wheel-drive ES. Lexus also added a limited ES 350 F SPORT Black Line edition.
2020Trim changes
Upper trims gained power-folding mirrors, and later-built cars added Android Auto. The rest of the lineup carried over.
2019New generation
Full redesign brought a lower, wider platform, revised rear suspension, a stronger V6, a new hybrid system, and the first F SPORT trim.
6th Generation (2013–2018)
The ES grew roomier, adopted Lexus's spindle-grille styling, and added the first ES hybrid. A broad 2016 update refreshed the exterior and cabin while keeping the same comfort-focused V6 and hybrid formula.
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2018
The V6 and hybrid models carried over in this final year before the 2019 redesign.
2017
The safety suite, rain-sensing wipers, and phone-based navigation support became standard. The styling and powertrains did not change.
2016Mid-cycle update
The full lineup received a bolder front end, revised rear styling, standard LED headlights, cabin updates, and more sound insulation.
2015Trim changes
The limited ES 350 Crafted Line special edition joined. Every ES also gained a 7-inch touchscreen, backup camera, and synthetic leather upholstery.
2014
Updated front lighting was the main change, with HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED fog lamps on both models.
2013New generation
Full redesign brought a longer wheelbase, more rear-seat room, new styling, revised steering and suspension, and the first ES 300h hybrid.
5th Generation (2007–2012)
This generation is a comfort-focused ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. Its main update was a light 2010 refresh with revised styling and more standard cabin and safety equipment.
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2012
The limited ES 350 Touring Edition joined, while the regular ES 350 carried over.
2011
The V6 was recalibrated to run on regular fuel, reducing output slightly. Styling, safety, and cabin technology carried over.
2010Mid-cycle update
Light exterior revisions were paired with more standard safety, comfort, audio, USB, and Bluetooth features.
2009
The ES 350 carried over apart from a new paint color.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Lexus ES.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lexus ES an SUV or a sedan?
The Lexus ES is a four-door luxury sedan with seating for five. It emphasizes a roomy cabin and rear-seat comfort rather than SUV cargo space or a tall driving position.
What is the Lexus ES known for?
The Lexus ES is known for a smooth ride, a quiet cabin, generous passenger room, and easy-to-use everyday technology. Its personality is relaxed and comfort-focused rather than aggressive.
Is the Lexus ES a sports sedan?
Not primarily. The ES favors quiet, easy driving over sharp sports-sedan responses. F SPORT versions add a bolder look, and some add firmer suspension hardware, but comfort remains central to the car.
Does the Lexus ES come as a hybrid?
Yes. The ES 300h served as the hybrid from 2013 through 2025. The redesigned 2026 lineup uses the ES 350h name and adds more power plus the first AWD hybrid configuration.
Is there an all-electric Lexus ES?
Yes, starting with the redesigned 2026 generation. The ES 350e is a single-motor, front-wheel-drive electric sedan, while the ES 500e uses two motors and all-wheel drive.
Does the Lexus ES have all-wheel drive?
Yes, but only on certain versions. From 2021 through 2025, the four-cylinder ES 250 used AWD. For 2026, the ES 350h hybrid includes FWD and AWD versions, while the electric ES 500e is AWD.
How do the main Lexus ES generations differ?
The 2007–2012 generation was V6-only. The 2013 redesign brought more rear room and the first ES hybrid. The 2019 redesign added a wider platform and F SPORT. The larger 2026 redesign introduced hybrid and fully electric versions.
Lexus ES Reviews
What owners are saying about the Lexus ES.
4.3
Lexus ES
(2,589 reviews)
“The voice command system does not work smoothly while driving, apparently because of road noise. It works ok while parked, but not while moving which is quite frustrating.I really wish there had been better options for wheels. I don't like the dark wheels at all and would have preferred more chrome/alloy if it had been available.”
“Love the car except for its system to control the functions of the car. Hate the mouse pad system impossible to change a thing while driving. A touch screen would be best.”
“A great car loaded with technology and numerous safety features, great gas mileage, reliable reputation, and eco friendly hybrid system.”
“It's a very nice and beautiful car. Has everything to give confidence that you are driving a very reliable car.”
“The ES 300h is great for a family sedan. Roomy and comfortable, reliable and great driving experience.”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2026 Lexus Es 350H Hybrid Joins Battery Electric Es 350E Es 500Ein Eighth Generation Es Lineup
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2026 Lexus Es Launches With Battery Electric Models New Hybrid Coming Soon
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New For 2027
- pressroom.lexus.com — Back In Black Lexus Es Black Line Special Edition Returns For 2025
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2024 Lexus Es
- pressroom.lexus.com — Reimagining The Luxury Sedan The All New 2026 Lexus Es
- lexus.com — Models / 2025 / MY25 Lexus ES ESh Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — New Level Perfor Sophistication Next Generation Lexus Es
- pressroom.lexus.com — New F Sport Variations Multimedia On 2023 Lexus Es
- lexus.com — Models / 2024 / MY24 Lexus ES ESh Brochure
- lexus.com — Models / 2023 / MY23 Lexus ES ESh Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Es Family Returns For 2022 With Updated Tech Safety First Ever 300H F Sport Grade